Echiejile not yet out of world cup squad

According to Africaplays.com, Nigeria’s left back, Elderson Echiejile’s hope of playing at the world cup may still be very much alive. The report quotes Coach Stephen Keshi as saying: ‘He is not totally out yet; we are still looking at him. We hope he will come back. But if it happens that he doesn’t, we will go on like that.’

Echiejile had a muscle tear during the international friendly match between Nigeria and Greece on the 3rd of June and initial medical opinion had ruled him out for 3 weeks.

This latest development contradicts initial reports that say Ejike Uzoenyi, a left footed winger, had been called up as Echiejile’s replacement. Although Ejike is reportedly on his way to join the team in Brazil, FIFA rules allow for player substitution 24 hours before the first game.